Contents

Early Life

Francis Lewis was born born in Llandaff, Wales. Both his parents died by age five and he would be raised by a loving aunt. She sought to give young Francis the best education, and sent him to the prestigious Westminster School of London. Also, he served as an apprentice at the London Mercantile. At age twenty-one, he sailed to New York City in 1735 and began an export business. Lewis resided in Philadelphia for two-years then returned to New York. Francis married his business partners' sister Elizabeth Annesley, and eventually they had seven children.

Capitalism

In the course of his business transactions, he traveled a considerable part of the continent of Europe. Lewis became a supplier to the British army and was docked at Oswego during the French and Indian War. The French captured Oswego and Lewis was imprisoned. [2] First, he was given over to the Indians. Then he was sent to France. He would be released in a prisoner swap and returned to America.

American Revolution

Lewis retired from business at the age of fifty-two, "one of the most opulent men in New York." [3] In 1774, he became a delegate to New York's provincial convention. He was among the first to join an association called the "Sons of Liberty." Lewis would be elected to the Continental Congress. At first he considered reconciliation with Britain. Then, Lewis sided with his country and independence, he would sign the Declaration.

The Lewis family moved to Whitestone, New York. After the Declaration, the British would destroy his house and possessions. His wife was taken prisoner for over a year before being released.

Death

Elizabeth was traumatized from being a prisoner and died two-years after her release. Little is recorded of subsequent years after the war. His later years were spent in comparative poverty, his fortune having been lost in the war. Lewis died in New York City at the age of eighty-nine.